Skujiņš and Neilands: Heat Poses Serious Challenge at Tour de France

After the first nine stages of the Tour de France, riders had a rest day on Monday, and the race resumes on Tuesday with the tenth stage. Latvian cyclists Toms Skujiņš (Lidl-Trek) and Krists Neilands (Intermarché-Wanty) shared their thoughts on the experience so far.

Skujiņš noted that the team's performance has been very successful—for the first time since he joined Lidl-Trek, the team managed to win a stage this early in the race. In the general classification, team riders Juan Ayuso and another athlete are fighting for the top ten, with Ayuso in fifth place, just seven seconds off the podium. Skujiņš also highlighted that the team continues to compete for the green jersey with Mads Pedersen.

Regarding his own condition, Skujiņš said he feels better than usual in such hot conditions, but the heat is extreme. He observed that when he overheats, his recovery is slower than his rivals'. Preparation for the tour was successful despite an illness in spring.

Skujiņš emphasized that working for the team involves not only sporting duties but also ensuring riders are cooled down before and after stages. He mentioned a former teammate who vomited due to heat, underscoring the seriousness of combating the heat.

Neilands, on the other hand, admitted that he usually handles heat well and prefers hot conditions over cold and wet ones. However, this heat has become a major challenge, and his body reacts differently. After a crash following the Tour of Belgium, he was unable to train for about a week, and the team debated whether he would be ready for the Tour. The first week was tough, but he is gradually regaining form.

Currently, Neilands is working for his teammates, especially supporting Biniam Girmay in the sprint competition. The team's goal is a stage win, and they have already finished in the top three twice. Although Neilands hopes to get into a breakaway in some stage and compete for his own result, the suitable stages in the first week were not within his reach. He stresses trusting the process.

Skujiņš is participating in his eighth Tour de France, while Neilands is in his sixth.